FRANCE IN THE WAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 897, 14 February 1930, Page 9

FRANCE IN THE WAR

CLEMENCEAU IS CRITIC TILL DEATH

LEADERS CRITICISED LONDON, Thursday. An outspoken biography of the late M. Clemenceau, written by his secretary, and also his friend, M. Jean Martel, has been published in London. There is a simultaneous publication of a summary of the former Premier's last book, “Greatness and Misery of a Victory in France.” “The Tiger’s” pen was vitriolic to the last. In the course of a personal defence, M. Clemenceau violently attacks Marshal Foch, whom he accuses of insubordination. He also condemns M. Viviani. who was Premier at the outbreak of the war, for withdrawing the French troops six miles from the frontier, in order to demonstrate France’s: desire- for peace. M. Clemenceau ceaselessly criticises M. Poincare with regard to disagreements, particularly on the eves of the armistice. He also says that Marshal Foch did not have a sense ot command, although he pays generous tribute to Foch’s courage, and admits that, he was one of the factors in victory. The tone toward Foch. however, softens as the book closes. TRIBUTE TO LLOYD GEORGE Incidentally, M. Clemenceau pays a tribute to the sparkling wit of Mr. Lloyd George, although he says he has been an enemy of France ever since the armistice. "The Tiger” is very bitter against Germany. He describes the German revolution as “make-believe.’ M. Martel’s book consists of conversations with M. Clemenceau. Thus, concerning Marshal Foch. he says: “You see the shabby little tricks he played me. Yet he was the mail France needed. With Marshal Petuiu, a loyal and trustworthy man, who behaved in exemplary fashion, the war would have lasted another year. It is all the more to iny credit that 1 defended Foch, as I do not like people of his kind, in whose souls ability and courage live side by side with less attractive traits. If the war had to be fought again. I should choose Foch a second time.”